Back pain is a real scourge for many workers. The notorious ‘ailment of the century’, which includes lumbago, sciatica and herniated discs. And yet, the use of exoskeletons is recommended, in particular by the INRS, to prevent occupational risks.  

Designed by a multi-disciplinary team (engineers and designers, ergonomists, doctors, etc.) and manufactured in our production workshop in Anduze, in the Gard region of France, Hapo exoskeletons are developed using a rigorous and methodical approach. The devices are first designed to respond to real problems encountered in the field. These proofs of concept are transformed into prototypes, which are then assessed against technical, usage and biomechanical criteria. 

Each prototype is tested, both in the field and in the laboratory, throughout the design process, using an iterative approach. This feedback and the objective measurements (muscular activity, kinematics, postural balance, heart rate) and subjective measurements (perceived comfort and freedom of movement) then enable the Design Office to improve the prototypes until a finalised exoskeleton is ready to be marketed.